Safety

_Bro
_Bro Posts: 437 Member
edited October 7 in Social Groups
Salmonella enterica is the bacteria that causes salmonellosis, or salmonella poisoning. Infection with S. enterica can cause diarrhea, fever, vomiting and cramps. In severe cases, salmonellosis can be fatal, especially in children, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. Some people with salmonellosis may also develop reactive arthritis later in life.  

Salmonellosis is typically spread through the consumption or handling of raw or undercooked eggs,  and raw meat, poultry and dairy.  In the case of eggs, the egg’s shell normally protects the yolk and egg white against contamination. However, salmonella present on the shell can infect the yolk and egg when the egg is cracked, or can permeate the interior of the egg through microscopic cracks. This is why it’s always a good idea to wash eggs before cracking them, as well as throwing out any eggs that do have cracks. Cooking kills the salmonella bacterium, however, even if it has contaminated the yolk or white.

If you want to be careful, utilize pasturaized egg whites.

External links:

USDA:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Focus_On_Shell_Eggs/index.asp#6

Safe meringe:
http://www.ochef.com/728.htm
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